AN 80-year-old widow who appeared in TV show Neighbours from Hell was evicted from her 17-room home yesterday by a council.

As sheriff officers escorted Vida Paul and her three dogs out of the house, she said: “I’m absolutely devastated … but I’ll be back.

“I’ve lived in this house for 32 years. I didn’t want to leave but I was forced out.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council claim the home is uninhabitable and a threat to Vida’s health and safety.

The property in Dumfries was damaged by fire in 2009 and since then council bosses have been trying to get her to bring the building up to standard.

They agreed to pay 75 per cent of the £51,000 cost but she rejected the offer.

When Vida failed to carry out the repairs, a demolition order was served in January. Yesterday Dumfries sheriff George Jamieson granted an ejection order.

Neighbours say the house is an eyesore. Fire damage is still evident and there is an old car and a caravan in the garden.

One neighbour said: “It is a complete mess and reduces the value of our property as no one wants to live beside it.”

Vida tried to barricade her garden to stop officers getting access yesterday but later left by taxi for a flat provided by the council. Dogs Mandy, Beth and Murphy were taken in a van.

Vida said: “The fire caused terrible damage. I have carried out some repairs – new floors and plasterwork – but I did not get enough help at the time.”

She wants to take court action to get the decision reversed.

Vida's dogs were also evicted

Friend Dr Kenneth Donnan said: “It is disgusting what they have done to an elderly lady. They knew she wouldn’t be able to meet the requirements of the grant and no bank is going to give a loan to someone her age.”

The council said they had made “extensive efforts” to get Vida to co-operate.

A spokesman added: “Surveys were carried out in 2010 with Mrs Paul’s consent but when we requested a further survey in July we received no reply.”

Vida’s solicitor Matthew Pumphrey said: “No court action has yet been raised over the eviction but we have taken counsel’s advice and are awaiting the outcome.”